14.10.13

Strange days- 10 against 1

December 12th 1891- Burnley versus Blackburn Rovers at Turf Moor. In freezing conditions Burnley are 3-0 up at the interval. Blackburn are a bit slow in coming out for the second half and a fight breaks out between Joe Lofthouse and Burnley's Alex Stewart.The referee, no less a person than The Napoleon of Football, Mr Charlie Clegg, sends the two miscreants off. Nine of Lofthouse's teammates follow him to the changing rooms, leaving goalkeeper Herby Arthur as the only Blackburn player on the pitch.

Joe Lofthouse- early bath...

Herby Arthur- Offside Ref!

Mr Clegg- recognized a farce when he saw one...

Arthur is undaunted, pointing out to Mr Clegg that there is no way that Burnley could be 'onside'. Mr Clegg is in agreement and he abandons the match.

Burnley get the two points and Blackburn, full of contrition, are ordered to play a friendly at Turf Moor as a means of compensation. Rovers offer the explanation that their players had been too cold to continue...